Writing Resilience - Moving On!
Have you ever been rejected or hurt or offended or experienced a negative emotion that’s a challenge to shake off? For writers, being of a sensitive nature, this can be problematic. But writers are also risk takers. Every time they write a story sharing their personal visions and imagination and then set it loose in the world, they are demonstrating courage, which is needed to exercise resilience.
But there are times when we feel overwhelmed by negation. How to bounce back quickly and move on?
1. Never allow discouragement in. It stifles our desire to make that greater effort, and it limits our potential. Replace discouragement with courage and lots of faith. Ever hear of bestselling author Debbie Macomber? She wasn’t an overnight sensation, but she is a great and talented success.
2. Face your rejection. Okay, so someone wasn’t keen on your manuscript. If criticism was offered, learn from it and move on. It just takes a little practice to learn to move on. Keep writing. Every time you do, it brings you closer to your goal of publication.
3. Don’t be attached to the outcome. Very Zen-like, don’t you think? I have a manuscript or two that has yet to be published. What if they’re never published? When I ask myself if I enjoyed writing them, the answer is a resounding yes! Which means, that whether they’re published or not, they were worthwhile to me. Keep your perspective and you’ll be exercising resilience.
4. Practice Optimism. This is where social support can be helpful. Reach out to other writers who understand the importance of bouncing back. Or to anyone who’s faced a challenge and overcome it. Fan your good attitude so that you keep your fire of passion for your craft thriving.
5. Nurture your sense of humor.
This is not a headless dog. This is Willow in her favorite position. Did the picture make you smile?
Laughter is not only the best medicine, it’s a game changer. If you can laugh at a negative situation, it diffuses the unpleasant impact, allowing you to let go more quickly and do what we need to do. Move on!
